Thank you for your support in 2024.
Reflect on the highlights from the past year.
HEALTH CARE STUDENTS
The Research Foundation supported the education of 80 traditional and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students by awarding $337,538 to students enrolled at Research College of Nursing, Avila University, and William Jewell College during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Research Foundation also provided nursing students emergency financial assistance and sponsored white coats and commitment coats.
The Research Foundation also gave $37,000 in scholarships to physical therapy students as well as $21,750 to students pursuing careers in radiation therapy, radiologic technology, and nuclear medicine technology.
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
The Research Foundation partnered with the Ed Bixby Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education and Kansas City Southwest Clinical Society to host the Time Critical Diagnosis Symposium and Hoeper Primary Care Symposium in 2024. Funding for symposiums are provided by the J.B. Reynolds Foundation, the Research Medical Center Medical Staff, and the Dr. Sam Hoeper Sr. Fund.
The Research Foundation also recognized outstanding nursing faculty for teaching excellence, community service, scholarly achievement, and leadership at Research College of Nursing, Avila University, and William Jewell College. Additional support was given to faculty members at the three nursing programs for doctoral degrees, faculty scholarship grants, and continuing education.
PATIENTS
The Research Foundation collaborates with Bra Couture KC to make Verda’s Place available to uninsured and underinsured cancer patients. Located in the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Research Medical Center, Verda’s Place supports lymphedema services, prosthetics, assistance with utilities, food cards, medications, nutritional supplements, and comfort items. In 2024, 54 cancer patients received assistance through Verda’s Place.
The Research Foundation also supported 39 cancer patients through the Dr. Kelley Young Memorial Fund, established by family and friends of oncologist Dr. Kelley Young. The fund further expands support for cancer patients in need.
The Research Foundation continued its partnership with Happy Bottoms to address diaper needs among low-income mothers and babies at Research Medical Center. A total of 27,150 diapers were provided to 362 mothers and their newborns in 2024.
INJURY PREVENTION FOR YOUTH
The Research Foundation’s Young Traffic Offenders Program educated 819 young drivers in 2024. The program strives to change driving habits of young people by presenting the consequences of careless driving.
The Research Foundation also provided ThinkFirst injury prevention programs to nearly 21,000 Kansas City area students in the 2023-2024 academic year. ThinkFirst educates youth about preventing traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries by discussing safe driving, seat belt usage, sports and recreation safety, helmet usage, water safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and avoiding violence.
COMMUNIY GRANTS
The Research Foundation partnered with 32 organizations who were approved to receive funding through its community grants program in 2024. The grants support programs and organizations that expand access to care, promote health equity, and engage students in health care careers. The Research Foundation focused its grants on organizations with health-centered missions that primarily serve residents in Jackson County, Missouri, prioritizing urban Kansas City.
